Chapel Hill High School’s Student Government, in collaboration with various cultural clubs, hosted Heritage Day in the school’s courtyard on November 13, celebrating the diversity of the school community with booths where students could explore different cultures and interact and learn from one another.
Senior Andrew Dunn, head of the Student Government Senate, conceived the event to celebrate the efforts of a number of school clubs.
“I decided that it would be fun to bring together all the various heritage-focused clubs to celebrate the groups that make up the school and give out free cultural foods as a way for students to interact with these clubs,” Dunn said. “I also figured that it would be nice to bring back the Jazz Band’s tradition of playing in the courtyard, so I reached out and coordinated with them as well. Coupling the clubs and the Jazz Band, Heritage Day was born.”
The International Club
The International Club brings together students from diverse backgrounds, showcasing and celebrating various cultures. Led by seniors Rosemary Harper and juniors Esteban Lopez and Cruz Gomes, the club shares cultural experiences, including food from different countries and information on unique global traditions. The club aims to foster cultural exchange, promote understanding among students from varied backgrounds and create a sense of community at the school.
The Jewish Student Union
Founded in 2023, the Jewish Student Union (JSU) aims to create a safe and engaging environment for Jewish students while also offering all students an opportunity to learn about Judaism. Club leaders, senior Rachel Penzer and junior Naomi Weiler, hope to create a welcoming space, where members gather monthly to play trivia, enjoy snacks and celebrate Jewish holidays.
The Black and Brown Student Union
Led by co-president junior Sydney Jackson, the Black and Brown Student Union (BBSU) serves as a crucial platform for students of color to come together, celebrate their identities and advocate for social justice within the school community. The club was founded in response to a recognized need for students of color to have a dedicated space for association and support.
The club hosts movie days that highlight Black and Brown experiences, encouraging discussions on cultural representation, social justice and history. Jeopardy! Days will also return, allowing members to participate in interactive competitions that expand their knowledge of Black culture and history.
Mucho Orgullo
Mucho Orgullo was created to provide a safe and supportive environment for Latino students at the school. The club’s focus is on unity, higher education and Latino cultural expression. Junior Maya Paz, the club’s co-president, emphasized the importance of balancing community and educational aspirations, stating, “Our goals are to build connections within our club with a strong focus on higher education.” The club organizes college visits to institutions, such as the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Guilford College, to broaden students’ awareness of educational opportunities.
One of the club’s proudest achievements was hosting the school’s first Hispanic Heritage Month Festival earlier this fall. The event aimed to introduce Latino families to the school, particularly those who might face language barriers and not typically attend other school events. Mucho Orgullo hopes to establish the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival as an annual event and to expand college-related field trips to provide Latino students with more opportunities.
The Asian Student Association
The Asian Student Association (ASA) provides a space for students to explore, celebrate, and share Asian cultures, with a focus on promoting cultural appreciation and fostering connections among members. Open to all students interested in Asian cultures, the ASA encourages cultural exchange and inclusivity. Club co-president, junior Yu-Hisang Hung, highlighted the club’s flagship event, Asian Night, a springtime collaboration between the three district high schools. The event features local vendors, restaurants, and performers, raising funds for OneSky, a charity dedicated to supporting education for orphans in China and Mongolia.
Additionally, the ASA plans to increase its community engagement by partnering with other clubs and organizing events that benefit both local and global Asian communities.
A Celebration of Diversity and Unity
Each of these cultural clubs contributed to Heritage Day, showcasing the diversity and unity within the school community. The event featured performances, informational booths, cultural displays and traditional foods, representing various cultures. By joining forces, the clubs hope to celebrate underrepresented groups and highlight the unique contributions each culture brings to Chapel Hill High School.
